Conservative state lawmakers have threatened to withhold state funding for an Iowa community college if the school spends tax dollars on a conference for gay youths.

The Des Moines Register reported that 16 Republican lawmakers released a statement Thursday threatening to vote down funding for the Des Moines Area Community College, which sponsors the Iowa Governor's Conference on LGBTQ Youth.

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More than 600 students and educators typically attend the conference, which seeks to end bullying of gay, lesbian and transgender students. But legislators say the event uses taxpayer dollars to encourage dangerous behaviors that distort Bible teachings.

The Family Leader, a conservative Christian group, has called upon Gov. Terry Branstad to remove his title from the conference.